Follow-up investigation in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Full Abstract

Sixty-three female patients with anorexia nervosa were assessed for outcome, on average 27.5 months after treatment. The treatment program, in a general adolescent medical service, is multidisciplinary, stressing appropriate weight gain in conjunction with various therapeutic modalities. Half the group required at least one hospitalization; the remainder received treatment as outpatients. Mean weight of the patients was 41.8 kg at first contact, 46.2 kg at conclusion of treatment, and 52.2 kg at follow-up. Average height at the time of follow-up was in the 38th percentile. Average weight was in the 15th percentile at first contact, and in the 29th percentile at follow-up. Current weight is 8% below ideal. Ninety-three percent of the patients had amenorrhea at diagnosis, and 9.5% at follow-up. Vomiting declined from 59% of patients to 16%. Vomiting was significantly associated with poor outcome. The majority function successfully, academically and vocationally. Most continue to restrict diet, and 79% consider themselves overweight. Forty percent report chronic feelings of depression, and 22% have unsatisfactory social relationships. The data suggest no difference in outcome between those receiving psychotherapy (65%) and those who did not (35%). Type and duration of therapy were also not associated with long-range improvement.

Author information

Author/s: Nussbaum, M (M); Shenker, I R (IR); Baird, D (D); Saravay, S (S);

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The Journal of pediatrics (J Pediatr), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1985-May; vol 106 (issue 5) : pp 835-40

Dates: Created 1985/07/03; Completed 1985/07/03; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 3998927, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

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